Lower Your Cholesterol: Foods to Avoid

Those who suffer from high cholesterol know that the most important way to lower cholesterol levels is through strictly following a healthy diet. However, many people are still confused as to which food they need to avoid that contains high cholesterol content. It can become tricky when some high cholesterol foods are a good source of essential nutrients such as protein, fatty acids, macro- and micro-nutrients and carbohydrates.

Learn to read food labels and understand that “Cholesterol free food” means less than 2 mg cholesterol and 2 g or less fat. “Low cholesterol food” means 20 mg or less cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat. “Fat free foods” means less than ½ g fat and “Free” does not mean zero fat. “Low fat food” means 3 g or less fat while “Reduced fat food” means at least 25% less fat than similar normal fat food.

To avoid heart disease, reduce consumption of the following foods from your diet:
1.    Animal products such as egg, meat, poultry, fish and higher fat milk products.
2.    Processed or pre-prepared foods such as cookies, muffins, and pastries. All of these products contain high amounts of fat including trans-fats.
3.    Any food that has been deep-fried

If you must, eat the following high cholesterol foods in limit:

Beef, liver, cooked or pan-fried (410 mg of cholesterol)
Chicken, stewed and meat only (300 mg)
Lamb (70 mg)
Sponge Cake (106 mg)
MacDonald’s egg McMuffin (235 mg)
Boiled egg (225 mg)
French Vanilla Ice Cream (155 mg)
Cream Cheese (27 mg)
Cheddar Cheese (19 mg)
Butter (250 mg)

Take care of your body by eating foods that can control cholesterol and protect your heart such as spinach, broccoli, tea, tuna, tofu, wheat germ and more.  Avoid high cholesterol foods, stay active, and always talk to your doctor about any changes in health.  If you need further help lowering your cholesterol, talk to your doctor about Lipitor – a widely used prescription drug for people with high cholesterol.

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More American Adults are Searching for Health Information Online

A recent report made by Pew Internet & American Life Project has revealed some interesting information and statistics regarding American adults and online health information. The study reveals that, with the recent credit crunch, more patients are spending time trying to find affordable health care information online. Here are some of the additional highlights of the changing trends in accessing health information:

1. 1. 61% of American adults look online for health information (“e-patients”)

While 86% of American adults still ask health care professionals for health information about prescription drugs, the trend in finding information online is increasing. The vast majority of people who use the internet for health inquiries are still using somewhat traditional sources. They have begun to read blogs, listen to podcasts, update their social networks, and post comments in forums. However, most of these “e-patients” begin their quest for information by using a search engine.

1. 2. There has been a huge increase of searches made for exercise, fitness and vaccination information

Around 80% of all adult Internet users, or about 93 million Americans over the age of 18, say that they have searched for at least one of those specific topics at some point. 30% of email users have received or sent a health-related email. Women are also more likely to search for health information and exchange health-related emails.

1. 3. Those seeking prescription drugs or non-prescription drugs are less likely to look at alternative or experimental treatments

45% Americans have used the internet to find more information about prescription drugs. Searches for prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs have experienced a significant jump in the last six years. In addition, women are much more likely to be searching for online information about prescription drugs.

1. 4. One third of internet users have searched for weight loss or weight control information

There is a noticeable difference in the demographics of internet users searching for information about weight loss. Women, younger adults and college-educated people are considerably more likely to search for weight loss material.

1. 5. There are three major changes coming in regards to accessing online health information

First, mobile access is on the rise. Users with mobile access to the internet are more likely than others to contribute their comments and reviews to online conversations about health care. Second, adults between the ages of 18 to 49 are more likely than older adults to access online information related to health. Third, the tradition of asking a health professional, a trusted friend, or a family member will likely not change.

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